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Friendship Quote by Oscar Wilde

“LADY BRACKNELL. May I ask if it is in this house that your invalid friend Mr. Bunbury resides? ALGERNON. [Stammering.] Oh! No! Bunbury doesn't live here. Bunbury is somewhere else at present. In fact, Bunbury is dead, LADY BRACKNELL. Dead! When did Mr. Bunbury die? His death must have been…” quote by Oscar Wilde
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““LADY BRACKNELL. May I ask if it is in this house that your invalid friend Mr. Bunbury resides? ALGERNON. [Stammering.] Oh! No! Bunbury doesn't live here. Bunbury is somewhere else at present. In fact, Bunbury is dead, LADY BRACKNELL. Dead! When did Mr. Bunbury die? His death must have been extremely sudden. ALGERNON. [Airily.] Oh! I killed Bunbury this afternoon. I mean poor Bunbury died this afternoon. LADY BRACKNELL. What did he die of? ALGERNON. Bunbury? Oh, he was quite exploded. LADY BRACKNELL. Exploded! Was he the victim of a revolutionary outrage? I was not aware that Mr. Bunbury was interested in social legislation. If so, he is well punished for his morbidity. ALGERNON. My dear Aunt Augusta, I mean he was found out! The doctors found out that Bunbury could not live, that is what I mean - so Bunbury died. LADY BRACKNELL. He seems to have had great confidence in the opinion of his physicians. I am glad, however, that he made up his mind at the last to some definite course of action, and acted under proper medical advice. And now that we have finally got rid of this Mr. Bunbury, may I ask, Mr. Worthing, who is that young person whose hand my nephew Algernon is now holding in what seems to me a peculiarly unnecessary manner?””

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

Source Play: The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895

A character uses absurd explanations to deflect from uncomfortable truths, highlighting social pretensions and avoidance of responsibility.

In simple terms: People hide behind nonsense to avoid dealing with reality.

Key Takeaway

Question honesty and confront uncomfortable facts.

Themes

social satire deception identity family dynamics

Mood

wry ironic critical

Type

dialogue theatrical satirical

When to use this quote

  • family gatherings
  • social events
  • conflict resolution
  • personal introspection

Key Concepts

Victorian social norms absurdism evasion role‑playing

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we use humor to dodge serious issues?
  • What are the costs of avoiding truth?
A Different Perspective

The humor masks deeper critique of class and authenticity.

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